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Record-breaker Selänne bows out with a double to help Finland power their way to ice hockey bronze

22/02/2014

Teemu Selänne scored two goals as Finland overwhelmed the USA 5-0 to claim the bronze medal in the men's hockey tournament at Sochi 2104. In doing so the 43-year-old forward increased his own Olympic record points total – achieved over five editions of the Games - to 43

The 43-year-old Selänne, who was playing in his last ever match on the Olympic stage, was delighted to secure the bronze, describing it as a fitting end to a wonderful adventure.

“Twenty-six years ago I played my first national team game, and it's been a great journey so far… and this is a great ending,” said the veteran, who also became just the sixth player in history to win four medals at an Olympic hockey tournament.

Best feeling so far

The man they call “the Finnish Flash” claimed that his bronze in Sochi – this third medal of that colour on the Olympic stage - was even more special to him than the silver medal he won eight years earlier at Turin 2006.

“I'd rather win bronze than lose for the silver,” he said. “It's the best feeling so far of my career with the national team.”

Selänne and Jussi Jokinen scored just 11 seconds apart in the second period for Finland who have now picked up five medals in the past six Winter Games.

The 43-year-old scored on a backhand, while Jokinen netted with a first-time shot from the high slot as Finland set about avenging a 6-1 loss to the USA in the semi-finals at Vancouver 2010.

Selänne scored again halfway through the third period, this time from close range on a power play, after taking a neat pass from Mikael Granlund.

Juuso Hietanen and Olli Maata scored Finland’s other goals in the third period to seal the win.

After missing the semi-final victory over Sweden, Tuukka Rask was back in goal for Finland, and he stopped 27 shots, including two penalty shots from Patrick Kane, to complete his shut-out.

Zach Parise said that he and his US team-mates had been far too passive in their approach. “We had no jam in our play and no speed in our skates,” said the American.“I don't know, I think it started against Canada, when we didn’t show up to play a tough team in Canada,” added Parise, referring to their 1-0 loss in the semis.